Description
Craft the ultimate Tilapia Fish Tacos with this easy-to-follow recipe. Flaky, spiced tilapia meets fresh toppings and a zesty sauce for a perfect meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) tilapia fillets, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- For the Spice Blend:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Cilantro-Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp honey or sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion or pickled red onions
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tilapia: Pat tilapia fillets very dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of the tilapia.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tilapia fillets to the hot pan (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, flaky, and cooked through. Remove from heat and gently flake into bite-sized pieces with a fork.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the fish cooks, warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel (30 seconds), or wrapped in foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble Tacos: Place flaked tilapia onto warm tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, a generous drizzle of cilantro-lime crema, red onion, avocado slices, and extra fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and salsa, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins